JEA's Green Restaurant Program
Restaurant operators face a growing list of hurdles to survive and thrive. Cost control and staff management provide ongoing challenges. Fortunately Northeast Florida restaurants have a new tool to help lower operating costs, conserve energy and water, and recruit and retain employees. JEA and the Green Restaurant Association have partnered to offer the Green Restaurant Program to local operators.
The Green Restaurant Association (GRA) is the leading industry voice that encourages restaurants to green their operations using transparent, science-based certification standards. With GRA's turnkey certification system, restaurants have the resources to become more environmentally sustainable in energy, water, waste and other areas. Many water-saving steps take little effort or expense to implement but provide a big benefit to the environment and on monthly bills. In fact, restaurants can save up to 30 percent off utility bills by becoming a GRA participant. In addition, 78 percent of workers say they would be more excited to work at a Certified Green Restaurant®.
GO GREEN AND SAVE MONEY
JEA works with the GRA to offer support and financial assistance toward becoming a Certified Green Restaurant®. When a restaurant upgrades certain water-saving equipment, JEA will cover up to 100 percent of GRA's first-year annual membership fee to become a Certified Green Restaurant®. By implementing enough money-saving water efficiency steps, you can become a Certified Green Restaurant® at no cost.
To qualify, a restaurant must be a JEA commercial customer and make water-saving upgrades for equipment such as:
- Pre-rinse spray valves
- Faucet aerators
- High-efficiency toilets
- Waterless urinals
- Dishwashers
- Foot pedal controls
- Several electric-saving measures are also eligible
For more information on the Green Restaurant Program, visit the JEA Business Rebates webpage or email the program at JEABusiness@icf.com.
